So, I am likely starting HRT next spring, and I've been working on my research for various things. I'm going to be using the Mazzoni center in Philadelphia, due to a low budget.
My question is how is it determined if you get pills or injections? It doesn't bother me either way, I can certainly get over my fear of needles in order to transition. Anyone have some insight?

I started on patches and moved to injections. It was a good change. I love the effects and ease of my once a week injections. Being a Paramedic I do my own and they do not hurt that bad. Injections are so good for me because I am active and the adhesive on the patches was terrible. I feel injections are much more potent and have kicked my changes into over drive. Big fan of injections here Depot Estradiol once a week. I do injectable Progesterone as well. I am sold on them. 

The Endo asked which one I preferred and that time I didn't have a preference. So he started me on patches. Due to my activity level and the fact I minor skin reaction to adhesive I was switched to the self injections. I haven't had a problem since. I have so far responded well to them. Now being switched to depo estradiol since the pharmacy couldn't get a hold of delestrogen anymore. He felt due to the fact that pills have to processed by the liver twice that it was to much of risk. He was really afraid of blood clots even though I have no history of them.
Mariah

I go to Mazzoni (my primary care) and started on pills (15 months) and am doing injections (IM) (5 months). I do IM every 10 days and in March I have blood work and I want to move it to weekly. IM, I feel for me, is far superior to pills. However, I was switched to a 14 day cycle at first and crashed at day 10 so I got the cycle reduced to 10 days. Depending on the blood work I really feel 7 days would be so much better.

IM del-estrogen (5 injections worth)and needles and syringes for 7 or so bottles ( 5 injections per bottle) is $80.00 no insurance. Spiro is $18/ month. Del-estrogen is $60/bottle. This is at the Walgreen's connected to Mazzoni.

The needle. I passed out at my last blood work. Then a week later I passed out after injecting at the injection training. Two weeks later I almost passed out at my remedial IM training. One of the girls at group said to do the shot in bed and that is where I do  it now. I am use to it and it takes 5 minutes, no  biggie. Funny how you can overcome the most adverse things when you face it head on.


I also go to Evolutions (Mazzoni) group at 21S. 12 street 8th floor on Thursdays at 6:00 P.M. . At the group location they have legal and therapists. At group there are two therapists and one does the intake at 809 Locust Mazzoni's LGBT primary care. Evolutions group will be presenting a session at the PTHC in June 4-6 at the convention center. I know Berks to Philly is a hike but you are always welcome. I suggested Skype for group so hopefully they will accommodate.

At group and in the gayborhood I am exposed to so much. I thought I was dealt such a ->-bleeped-<-ty hand in life. From all my experiences in the past 50 months in the community I can honestly say I am so lucky it is not funny. I am so fortunate and have so many advantages I am truly grateful.

Good luck in your journey.

Thank you so much Cynthia! It is so great to hear from someone who has done what I will be doing. My wife will be happy to hear the prices of everything.
Just so I'm clear though, what is the difference between the IM del-estrogen and just del-estrogen? You mentioned IM is $80 and regular is $60. How often do you have to get regular?

Also, since you are quite far along, how do you go about with name and gender change on drivers license with Mazzoni? Since PA requires a letter to change everything, I think it's a year of RLE now?

Hi ChelseaAnn,

Just the del-estrogen is $60. delestrogen and syringes and needles is $80.00 ( the needles and syringes are enough for at least 4 bottles of E). You need to tell the Walgreens next door that you are a patient at Mazzoni . They are super cool and see trans all day long.

Mazzoni has a tutorial on name change on the web site. Several girls at group have done it themselves. Mazzoni has a legal department if you want to pay them. PA is really easy for drivers license (there is a DD form that needs to be filled out) and name change. I have not changed my name legally.

Here is the guide for name change:

https://mazzonicenter.org/sites/default/files/2013%20Name%20and%20Gender%20Change%20Guide_0.pdf

Go to Mazzoni. Then click Resources. Then click Resources. There are a bunch of guides.

I am not far along in my transition, in my opinion. When I look back I have accomplished a lot though. I guess for me it will take a while longer, perhaps 2 or 3 years. I am learning this is a walk not a race.

If you want to PM me questions, please do.

Hugs,

Cynthia